In this section:

Motor vehicles

Legislation

The activities of the Commission's competition department in the antitrust field involve the application of Articles 101, 102 and 106 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ("TFEU").

Vertical agreements in the motor vehicle sector may also benefit from "block exemption". This is a safe harbour that exempts a whole category of motor vehicle distribution and repair agreements from the prohibition laid down in Article 101(1) TFEU.

Agreements can benefit from block exemption under Commission Regulation 330/2010 or Commission Regulation 461/2010 so long as they do not contain any serious restrictions of competition and also meet the other conditions laid down by the relevant Regulation. One of the tasks of the competition department is to monitor the application of these rules. It does so in close liaison with the competition authorities of the Member States.

Commission Regulation 461/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices in the motor vehicle sector

Commission Guidelines

Commission notice - Supplementary guidelines on vertical restraints in agreements for the sale and repair of motor vehicles and for the distribution of spare parts for motor vehicles
Official Journal C138, 28.5.2010, p.16.

Frequently asked questions on the application of EU antitrust rules in the motor vehicle sector

Commission Notice on agreements of minor importance which do not appreciably restrict competition under Article 81(1) of the Treaty establishing the European Community (de minimis)
Official Journal C 368, 22.12.2001, pages 13-15